Lawyer accused of smuggling drugs into Brampton courthouse

A Toronto lawyer was arrested and charged with drug trafficking after an alleged incident at the Brampton courthouse Thursday, Peel Regional Police said.

Laura Liscio, a 32-year-old criminal lawyer, was arrested around 10 a.m. after she allegedly smuggled drugs into the courthouse, Const. Thomas Ruttan said. He could not comment on media reports that the lawyer was arrested inside the Hurontario St. courthouse in her robes, which are required to practice in Ontario’s Superior Court.

Several lawyers who know Liscio reacted with shock to news of her arrest, slamming the manner in which police took her into custody.

Liscio was bringing a change of clothes to a client in custody at the courthouse, sources told the Toronto Sun. Drugs were allegedly found inside the clothes she delivered.

Toronto criminal lawyer Emma Rhodes called the charges “bull----.”

“She’s a highly ethical, highly respected lawyer,” Rhodes said. “Nobody respects the justice system more than Laura Liscio. I work across the hall from her. I know her very well. There is no more ethical advocate than her.”

Defence lawyer Leora Shemesh called Liscio “a very honourable, hard-working lawyer — there’s no way she would do this.

“She lives and breathes criminal law — it’s her life. It’s easy for this to happen. A family member (of the client) gives you clothing and you just give this item to the authorities without checking first.”

Police shouldn’t embarrass lawyers in robes by arresting them in front of their colleagues, Shemesh said.

Liscio has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking, obstructing justice, and breach of trust.